Bharat Bandh to hit life today

The Bharat Bandh called by the alliance of Opposition parties is likely to immobilise life in the city on Monday.

All government agencies and associations have extended full support to the nationwide bandh against the Centre, called in protest against the rising prices of petroluem products and other essentials.

Buses will stay off the road. Educational institutions have declared a holiday on Monday.

Operations of taxis, Ola, Uber and other service providers are likely to be affected. Commercial activities, cinema halls, multiplexes and shopping malls will also take a hit. However, hospitals, emergency services, milk supply and medical shops will function as usual. Namma Metro will function, but may suspend operations in case of any untoward incident, officials said.

Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner B M Vijay Shankar told DH: ‘I have announced a holiday for all educational institutions on Monday citing security reasons.’ The orders came after many private educational institutions informed parents that schools will remain open on Monday as they have sufficient school buses to ferry children.

The Transport Department announced that BMTC and KRSTC buses will not operate. ‘BMTC and KSRTC buses will not operate from dawn to dusk. Buses will ply only after 6 pm,’ said H S Manjunath, general secretary, KSRTC Employees Federation.

Shashi Kumar D, general secretary, Private Unaided Schools Association, said a holiday has been declared for schools in Bengaluru. ‘Our association has advised school managements to consider the safety of children who use public transportation and other means and declare a holiday,’ he said.

He also directed schools to compensate by conducting full day classes on Saturday.